Sports. Honestly. Since 2011

California Classic (July 5): San Antonio Spurs vs. Los Angeles Lakers Preview, Odds, and Prediction

The middle game of the final day of the California Classic should be very intense and entertaining. The Los Angeles Lakers (0-1) face the San Antonio Spurs (1-0) in game two in Sacramento on Wednesday night.

California Classic (July 5): San Antonio Spurs vs. Los Angeles Lakers Preview, Odds, and Prediction

Los Angeles Lakers vs. San Antonio Spurs

Where: Golden 1 Center

When:  8 p.m. ET

TV: ESPN

Odds: Sam Antonio Spurs -4.5

Over/Under: 175

Money line: Spurs -190; Lakers + 160

Odds are from DraftKings.

Los Angeles Lakers

Los Angeles played hard in its opening Summer League 107-90 loss to Miami. Offensively, the Lakers were up-and-down, while Jaime Jaquez and Nikola Jovic shredded them defensively.

While the Lakers shot poorly in the opening quarter, they were only down six after the first quarter. However, the difference in the game ended up being the second quarter, where they were outscored 36-24 as they headed to the locker room down 58-40.

Los Angeles was outshot 52.1%-to-43.4%, including 45.5%~to- 20.8% from deep. The Heat knocked down 15 treys compared to just five for the Lakers.

There was good news for the Lake Show. Max Christie, the Lakers’ 2022 first-round pick, looked exceptionally good on the offensive end versus the Heat. Known for his defense, Christie finished with 17 points on 6 of 11 shooting, including 1 of 3 from beyond the arc and 4 0f 4 from the free throw line. Christie also had six rebounds and four assists.

LJ Figueroa, who has spent time in the G-League after going undrafted in 2021, turned in an excellent performance with 13 points and seven rebounds. Cole Swider knocked down 3 of 6 from the 3-point line but committed three turnovers. 2023 second-rounder Maxwell Lewis demonstrated some offensive ability, finishing with seven points on 2 of 4 shooting and 3 of 4 from the foul line. 2023 first-round selection Jalen Hood-Schifino showed off his float game and finished nicely around the, although he struggled most of the game. Schifino was 6 of 19 from the field and 0 of 5 from the 3-point line.

Colin Castleton signed a two-way deal with the Lakers and was efficient with 11 points on 5 of 5 shooting and four boards. However, Castleton had difficulties with fouls.

San Antonio Spurs in the California Classic

San Antonio’s Game 1 performance was the biggest surprise of the Summer League. The Spurs started fast against Charlotte and coasted the rest of the way to a 98-77 victory.

As the kids say, Julian Champagnie and Dominick Barlow were “cooking it” against the Hornets. Champagnie, who signed a four-year deal with the Spurs this summer, tossed in 30 points on 9 of 20 shooting, including 5 of 12 from the 3-point line. Champagnie grabbed eight rebounds (four rebounds), two assists, and four steals.

Meanwhile, Barlow registered a double-double with 24 points, 11 caroms (four offensive), and two blocks. He was 10 of 13 from the field as he showed off his whole bag of tricks offensively. Barlow, a restricted free agent, was on a two-way contract with the Spurs this past season.

Undrafted rookie Erik Stevenson put on a shooting display for the Spurs, finishing with 13 points on 5 of 9 shooting and 3 of 4 from deep. However, Blake Wesley struggled shooting the ball, and 2023 second-round choice Sidy Cissoko had a nondescript debut.

San Antonio outshot Charlotte 45.4% to 39.4%. The Spurs also made more 3-pointers (9-8) and free throws (21-17). Additionally, they were dominant on the glass, winning the rebounding battle 51-26, including 16-6 on the offensive end.

Prediction

As impressive as San Antonio was on opening day, I don’t think a two-man show will last more than one game. So, go with the Lakers. For the most part, Los Angeles looked pretty good against Miami, and the Lakers squad is certainly better than the Hornets.

Best Bet: Lakers +4.5

Other: Lakers to win +160

Daniel Benjamin

Daniel Benjamin

Daniel Benjamin is passionate about all things basketball, especially evaluating talent and analyzing teams, whether the NBA, college basketball, WNBA, G-League or women's college basketball. He also loves to provided insights and gambling incites on basketball.

Share:

More Posts